IRON MOUNTAIN — A contractor is scheduled to start work Monday, May 12, in Iron Mountain to verify water service lines that contain lead.

MEC Underground Solutions of Fairgrove was awarded a $468,515 contract in December to conduct field verification for at least 785 service lines. The project is funded entirely by a grant awarded through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

MEC will initially cover areas where Ultra Construction Services of Marquette will perform line replacements. Ultra Construction began work last fall on a project funded through Michigan’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.

The DWSRF aid package consists of a $2.24 million grant and a $2.33 million loan at 2% interest. It’s expected about 375 lead service lines can be replaced.

Changes to the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act approved in 2018 require the city to replace all galvanized water services that are considered lead lines within the next 17 years. The number needing replacement was initially estimated at 1,800, but it could be considerably less based on findings so far, according to city officials.

In addition to replacements resuming this spring, the city will seek bids June 23 on a $13.3 million water project that will also be funded through the DWSRF — a $2.666 million grant and a $10.64 million loan.

The work chiefly involves water main and service line replacements in the areas of West A, West Hughitt and East C streets. Also, the city wants to replace sewer infrastructure while streets are torn up for the water project and on Monday the council held a public hearing on an application for a USDA Rural Development loan for that purpose.

If no federal loan comes through, the city might turn to higher cost commercial lending for the sewer portion. The estimated cost is $6 million.

Meanwhile, another public hearing was held Monday on a project plan for a potential 2026 project that includes replacement of about 400 lead service lines at an estimated cost of $5.57 million. That work depends on DWSRF funding and the city has made no commitment.

No comments were received during either public hearing.

In other action Monday, the Iron Mountain council:

— Reappointed Lucas Davidson and Anthony Miller to four-year terms on the Downtown Development Authority.

— Heard a presentation from Mindy Meyers, executive director of the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance, on DAEDA goals and accomplishments. The alliance has four task force groups that include Infrastructure and Housing Development, Small Business Retention and Growth, Government Relations and Talent and Education.

— Adopted a National Small Business Week proclamation for May 4-10, recognizing the vital role of small businesses in creating jobs, growing the economy and anchoring communities.

— Approved a request from Dickinson-Iron Communities That Care to close a portion of the parking lot adjacent to the downtown stage along with Iron Mountain Street in front of Dickinson County Library for a Hope 2 Hope suicide awareness event Sunday, Sept. 14. The program and activities will be from noon to 5 p.m.

— Accepted payment of $2,549 from Hastings Insurance to replace flower planters near First National Bank damaged by a pickup truck Sept. 4. The driver was insured by Hastings.